Korean martial law chief rules against dissident

By
With Analysis from Monitor Correspondents around the world,
Edited by Randy Shipp /
November 5, 1980

Seoul

South Korea's martial law commander confirmed an appellate court ruling that Kim Dae Jung, the leading dissident and former presidential contender, must be executed for plotting to overthrow the government. But the Army chief of staff, Gen. Lee Hui Sung, who holds the powerful martial law post, freed four of Mr. Kim's 23 co-defendants. Korean law makes it mandatory that Mr. Kim appeal the confirmation to the civilian supreme court. If the conviction is upheld, he can appeal as a last resort to President Chun Doo Hwan.